6 Tips for Managing Stress

Cope in uncertain times with these stress management tips for adults.

When life begins to move faster than expected, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. During these unsettling times, it’s more important than ever to set time aside to unwind and properly take care of your mental and physical wellbeing. In this post, we’ll share a few simple tips for managing stress that can help you cope with uncertainty and stress.

Try a breathing exercise

Connect with family and friends

Make time for exercise

Focus on your diet

Practice healthy sleep habits

Show gratitude for the little things

Keep reading to learn more about each of these stress management tips for adults.

Try a breathing exercise You may be surprised how much better you feel once you close your eyes and take a few moments to relax and breathe. Deep breathing is one of many mindfulness exercises that can help center you back into the present moment to help you begin to relax. Something as simple as a one-minute relaxation breathing exercise is a powerful way to begin to calm your nervous system so that you feel grounded and better equipped to respond to stressors.

Connect with family and friends When stress becomes overwhelming, don’t keep it to yourself. Reach out to the people you trust, like family, friends, or coworkers. Let them know what’s on your mind and give yourself a chance to vent in a healthy manner. Sometimes, just hearing familiar voices on the phone or seeing a distant relative over video chat can do a lot to boost your mood and put a smile on your face!

If hearing loss prevents you from reaching out to friends and family over the phone, discover how a CapTel captioned telephone can help you catch every word.

Make time for exercise As long as your doctor says it’s okay for you, working out regularly is a great way to relax your body and mind any time, but particularly during times of stress. It also comes with a host of health benefits, including weight control, lowered risk for cardiovascular disease, and blood sugar management. Making time for daily movement is an important step in caring for your mental and physical health. From yoga and strength training to dancing and even gardening, there are many different types of exercise to work into your routine that will fit your interests and preferences.

Focus on your diet Eating a regular, well-balanced diet can also help reduce stress and improve your mood. Choose vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean protein for a healthy boost of energy. While you might not feel as hungry during stressful times, try not to skip meals to help ensure you get the nutrition you need to boost immune function and help keep stress at bay.

Practice healthy sleep habits The CDC recommends sleeping at least seven hours per night for optimal health – but many Americans struggle to reach that number. During times of high stress, sleep is more important than ever because it helps you maintain a strong immune system. Adequate rest can also give you more energy to get through the day and leave you with a sharper and clearer mind to handle the obstacles in your path.

To help you get a better night’s sleep in times of stress, consider these sleep hygiene tips from the Sleep Foundation.

Show gratitude for the little things Although it may seem difficult to focus on the things going right during troubling times, gratitude goes a long way. Instead of ruminating on negative thoughts, try recalling the things and people in your life that bring you joy and appreciation. Activities such as journaling and meditation can help you cultivate a routine gratitude practice.

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